The Bicester School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 March 2024

The core values of this school are 'respect, resilience and responsibility'. They shine through the day-to-day work of this positive and happy community. Pupils are warm and friendly. They form positive relationships with each other and with staff. In turn, Staff show a genuine care for pupils. They all share a commitment to provide pupils with the best possible education. As a result, pupils thrive at this inclusive school. The school provides learning and wider opportunities that pupils enjoy and benefit from. Pupils are very well prepared for life in modern Britain. They say they are encouraged to respect difference and they really do. There are high expectations of pupils' behaviour, and these expectations are met. There are strong standards of behaviour. Pupils say that they have trusted adults with whom they can share concerns. On the rare occasions when bullying happens, it is addressed effectively. Parents are positive about the school. They like its caring and supportive ethos. As one parent said, expressing views typical of other parents, 'All pupils are looked after and given what they need. The Bicester School goes above and beyond to help students and families.'

What the school should improve

• Some pupils do not attend as well as they could and a number, including those who are disadvantaged, are persistently absent from school. Consequently, those pupils do not always remember their learning sufficiently nor benefit fully from the rich wider personal development opportunities offered by school. The school must ensure that pupils' attendance, especially those who are disadvantaged, rises further.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)